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Qatar, a small Middle Eastern nation on the Persian Gulf, can present challenges to tourists who are unprepared for its extreme climate. Despite this the country has managed to become a hotspot for luxury travelers, and thanks to its role as the host of the 2022 World Cup it's likely to become even more popular.

Winter in Qatar

Contrary to Qatar’s reputation as a scorching desert, the winter months can actually be quite pleasant. Daytime temperatures drop significantly, especially in coastal areas, and evenings can even become chilly.

January is typically the coolest month in Qatar, and temperatures can drop to 45 degrees F. This is more common near the coasts where the sea breezes impact the temperature. The winter season is also when Qatar experiences most of its rainfall.

Qatar’s cooler and less humid winters make it easier for you to enjoy some of the country’s more popular tourist activities. Bir Zekreet, in the Al-Reem UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, features striking limestone pillars and is a popular camping spot. The mangrove forest at Al Thakhira lends itself to a day of kayaking and bird spotting, and nearby is one of Qatar’s many scenic beaches, which are best enjoyed in the winter months.

Summer in Qatar

The temperatures in Qatar start to heat up quickly in the dry summer season, which runs from June to September. Summer temps average around 108 degrees F, and highs of 122 degrees F aren't unheard of. Travelers who can avoid coming to Qatar in the summer should, as these oven-like temperatures make it difficult for anyone to spend even a short amount of time out-of-doors.

Luckily for summer visitors Qatar has plenty of indoor activities to ensure travelers enjoy themselves without overheating. Doha's Museum of Modern Art is widely respected for both its collection and its design. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is also a top destination. If you're visiting with your family many of Doha's luxury malls feature child-friendly amusement parks and recreation centers--Gondolania and Jungle Zone are two great options.

When to Visit Qatar

Even with Qatar's wide range of indoor, air-conditioned activities, the summer months can be an uncomfortable, even dangerous, time to visit the country. You'll get the best out of your time in Qatar by visiting in the winter. If you want to be extra sure the temperature will be conducive to traveling, then play it safe and come between December and February, when temperatures are at their lowest.

What Should I Wear?

Because Qatar is a conservative Islamic country, it's advisable that tourists dress appropriately. Though tourists to Qatar who are not Muslim are not expected to dress in the traditional style, it is expected that they will be culturally sensitive. Men who choose to wear shorts should make sure they're knee-length, and tank tops should be avoided. Likewise, foreign women are not required to cover their hair or wear an abaya, but they should avoid short skirts, skimpy tank-tops and anything which exposes too much skin.

In order to both respect the culture and to protect themselves from the heat, men and women should wear loose-fitting pants and shirts made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Always bring a sweater or a cardigan in case the air-conditioning indoors is too cold or the temperatures drop significantly at night in the desert.

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About the Author

Hana LaRock is a freelance content writer from New York, currently living in Mexico. She has spent the last five years traveling the world and living abroad and has lived in South Korea and Israel. Hana has been writing about her travel experiences for several years and has been published in print magazines like Travel Ideas and Ensemble Vacations, as well as websites such as Tour Amigo, The Culture Trip, REI, and Orbitz. Hana has been to nearly 30 countries and counting. Through her experiences, she has learned to navigate the challenges that can come with visiting other countries and cultures. To learn more, visit her website at www.hanalarockwriting.com.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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